The accelerated Master of Public Administration Distance Learning program is offered by CSULB's Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration in partnership with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE). The convenient format of the distance learning MPA, which uses synchronous online instruction, allows working professionals to complete the program in a short period of time without career interruption. This innovative learning opportunity features web-based, real-time, interactive sessions with students and faculty.
This program is designed to provide a diverse student population with the professional competencies necessary for leadership and management roles in public service, and in community-based and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes the theory, practice, skills, and ethics necessary to promote excellence in public service management.
Program participants proceed through a sequence of pre-selected courses as a learning team. The course components are delivered online in weekly online synchronous sessions. In addition to these weekly synchronous sessions, students will also attend an online synchronous session on the first and last Saturday of each course. These synchronous online sessions are also complemented with asynchronous instruction via Canvas.
College: Health and Human Services
Department: Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration
Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration
Application Period: Spring admission only. For Fall admission, please visit the campus MPA website's Public Policy and Administration page.
Please Note:
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Individuals who desire advanced management skills/knowledge and would like to have the ability to move up within their agency
Accredited program
Six-week sessions and courses offered in a sequential accelerated format
Cohort learning team
Courses taught by CSULB faculty with years of academic and professional experience
Complete the program in as few as 22 months
Degree offers a blend of leadership and management expertise
Professional network of over 1,700 CSULB MPA graduates in Southern California and the nation
How to lead public and nonprofit organizations
Skills and techniques to manage human resources
Financial management and budget analysis techniques
How to define and solve practical problems in the public sector
How to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups
The roles of public and nonprofit sector organizations in American government
How to structure and manage complex public and nonprofit organizations
The MPA degree requires 39 semester units of graduate course work. Students are required to have a computer with web access (broadband access preferred) and a current web browser.
A minimum of 24 units of 500/600 level courses in PPA, 15 units of elective course work, and the completion of the student learning portfolio.
PPA 500, Foundations of Public Policy and Administration
PPA 555, Government Budgeting and Finance
PPA 577, Public Sector Personnel Administration
PPA 660, Seminar in Organization Theory and Behavior
PPA 670, Seminar of Policy Issue Analysis
PPA 696, Research Methods in Public Administration
PPA 697, Directed Research
PPA 535 Intergovernmental Relations
PPA 570, Negotiating Dynamics: Strategies and Skills
PPA 512 Urban Executive Management
PPA 540 Grants Administration
PPA 610, Seminar in Urban Affairs
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online Information Sessions are listed below when they are available. Choose a date and click the link to register for that Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
If no sessions are listed below, then none are currently available. Please check this page at a later date to view updated sessions.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
Cumulative grade point average of 3.0. An applicant not meeting this minimum requirement, but with managerial experience, may be given special consideration by the Center Admissions Committee.
Official copy of all college/university transcripts (in addition to those provided to the university), including transcripts showing a BA or BS degree.
Minimum of two years of professional experience in public service, or a career goal of employment in government or nonprofit organizations.
Two letters of recommendation from persons who are able to testify to the student's academic ability. Letters can be from a current or former professor and/or a current or former supervisor.
How to Apply
To apply to the MPA program, you must submit two applications. You will apply to both the University and the Department.
The MPA Distance Learning program should show as “Master of Public Administration – Distance Learning” once you select it under the section Long Beach Extension.
You can upload your Department application documents to Cal State Apply. The Department application documents are the following:
Broadly speaking, we study public administration to prepare for professional and administrative careers in the public or nonprofit sectors.
The Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Long Beach offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Since it is a cohort program, certificates and the options in Public Works Administration and Urban Affairs are not offered. These are available through the campus MPA program. More information can be found on the Public Policy and Administration page.
The MPA is considered a gateway degree for a career in public service.
The MPA is specifically designed to prepare people for professional and administrative careers in the public or nonprofit sectors, while the MBA is more appropriate for those who are seeking careers in the private sector.
We are a fully accredited program by the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). All of our full-time faculty have the highest degrees in their fields from highly regarded universities, and have extensive experience in teaching and research. Our part-time faculty members are highly respected practitioners in the region. For over 23 years, many of our graduates have attained senior managerial and leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. We have a flexible program that permits you to design a course of study that will help you achieve your particular career goals.
Yes, most of our students work full-time.
Since it is graduate school, this program can be very demanding of your time. It may take time for you to get used to being back in school. However, if you're willing to work hard and manage your time effectively, you should be fine. After all, we have hundreds of graduates who were in the same situation as you, and they were successful.
Generally, for each hour of class time, you can expect two hours of study time per week.
The DLMPA program is a cohort-based program. Students begin coursework in February and proceed through the program together as a group. Courses are six weeks in duration, and students take one class at a time. Weekly online meetings are conducted using Zoom software, and are scheduled for 6-9pm on either Mondays (odd-numbered cohorts) or Wednesdays (even-numbered cohorts), as well as the first and last Saturday (9am-12noon) for each course. Zoom sessions are synchronous and require real-time attendance.
To participate in the weekly Zoom sessions, students must utilize a computer, tablet, or smart device that is connected to the Internet. Students should also have a headset with a microphone to facilitate participation in the Zoom sessions.
Our program requires the completion of 39 units of coursework, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and completion of a Student Learning Portfolio. Each course is three units, so there are 13 courses you must take.
Yes, there are six required lecture courses and two directed research, independent study courses.
No, we have no thesis requirement or comprehensive exams, but we do require the completion of five case studies in PPA 697. Also, instead of formal comprehensive exams, we have a comprehensive Student Learning Portfolio requirement.
There is a two-part process. First, you must apply to the university. Second, you must apply to the MPA program.
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials at Cal State Apply.
Complete and submit the department's MPA Department Application, as well as a statement of career objectives and two letters of recommendation.
Two letters of recommendation are required from persons who are able to testify to your academic ability. Letters can be from a current or former professor and/or a current or former supervisor.
The DLMPA Program admits for Spring semesters only. The application deadline is November 1.
You would need to apply to the next DLMPA cohort.
The process is the same for the department, but not for the university. First, you will need to contact CSULB’s International Admissions Specialist at CIE-Admission@csulb.edu.
You will need a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate coursework from an accredited institution.
If you have at least a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework, you may be admitted by the university, but not by the department.
We look at a number of factors, such as where you got your undergraduate degree, the type of course you took, letters of recommendation, your statement of career objectives, and your work history.
It is very important. Prospective students who have clearly demonstrated substantial professional progress may be given extra consideration in the admission decision.
You have two choices if you want to continue to try to be admitted. First, you may continue to work on your professional progress and re-apply in a year or two. Second, you can take additional courses to increase your GPA.
They must be upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses from an accredited institution. Furthermore, you should take courses that are related to the study of public administration, such as social science courses.
No, but you may wish to take the quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections; and submit the scores to the department if you do not meet the GPA requirement.
If you have a graduate degree from an accredited graduate school, you automatically meet our GPA requirement, but you must still complete the other university and department requirements.
As noted above, the program requires 39 units. Each DLMPA course is six weeks in duration, with a typical one- to two-week break between courses. Coursework begins in February, and it typically takes approximately two years to complete the program.
The university requires that students complete graduate programs in seven years.
Yes, unless you take an educational or medical leave. Students who are not enrolled for one or more semesters without an educational or medical leave must re-apply to the university.
If you have completed your coursework, but still need to finish the Student Learning Portfolio, you must enroll in the GS 700 course to maintain your enrollment—up until and including the semester in which you wish to graduate.
The College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) registers students in courses.
All DLMPA students take one course at a time. This usually equates to a total of two courses per normal academic semester.
As stated above, you must take eight required courses and five electives. The electives in the DLMPA program are pre-selected by MPA faculty. Please refer to the most recent DLMPA course schedule to get an idea of the typical types of electives offered.
There are no prerequisites for DLMPA students.
DLMPA cohorts are “lock-step” in nature. This means that all members of the cohort will take the same courses in the same sequence.
Electives in the DLMPA program are pre-selected by MPA faculty.
Dr. David C. Powell (DLMPA Director) serves as faculty advisor for the DLMPA program.
No, there is no difference in our program between a 500 and 600 level course, although in some other departments there may be a difference.
First, you must make sure that you have satisfied all the program requirements as stated above for the MPA and university (see the University Catalog for details). Master’s degree students must have an approved advancement to candidacy on file. Second, at the same time that you submit your Advancement to Candidacy form, you should apply to graduate with Enrollment Services. DLMPA cohort members will fill out Advancement to Candidacy forms, and apply to graduate together as a group.
Please refer to the Advancement to Candidacy form found on the Student Handbooks & Forms page. This is your MPA program plan. MPA staff will complete your advancement to candidacy form, and the entire cohort will advance together typically during the summer of the first year in the program.
It will be provided by MPA staff.
The DLMPA cohort will advance together in the Summer semester in the first year of the program.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Instructors
David C. Powell conducts research in budgeting and finance, Internet taxation, and intergovernmental relations. His articles have appeared in Publius: The Journal of Federalism, The Justice Professional, and State Tax Notes. Former professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and Cleveland State University in the MPA programs and in the Political Science program at Eastern Illinois University.
David C. Powell, Program Director, Master of Public Administration
David is an adjunct professor at CSULB who teaches graduate courses on leadership, labor relations, and executive management. He is a recognized transportation executive leading projects and programs in aviation, toll roads, rail, and transit for government agencies. In 2015, David served as the Executive Director for the South Central Regional Transit District. Previously, he served as team leader for the Transit Cooperative Research Program’s (TCRP) International Transit Studies Program in South America, publishing a report on the growth in transit ridership. David has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from CSULB, and was awarded Graduate Student of the Year as well as Alumnus of the Year. David has a long history of civic service, serving on national and state boards in transportation, while also serving locally as a volunteer for community service organizations.
David Armijo, Adjunct Professor
Adam M. Butz (PhD) is an assistant professor whose interests center on public administration research methods, public policy analysis and policy process, U.S. social welfare policy, and urban affairs. Dr. Butz’s research interests include public-private partnerships and administrative contracting, social policy adoption and implementation, race and representative bureaucracy, organizational behavior and administrative discretion, and public policy diffusion, with interests in social welfare policy, immigration policy, and criminal justice policy. He holds an MA and PhD from the University of Kentucky, with major field training in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. Dr. Butz is currently engaged in a co-authored book project, “Race and Representative Bureaucracy in American Policing,” and he has published peer-reviewed research articles in Poverty & Public Policy, Evaluation Review, Research & Politics, Politics & Policy, and the Journal of Policy Practice.
Adam M. Butz, Assistant Professor
Chief Philip L. Gonshak began his law enforcement career at the Tempe, Arizona, Police Department in 2000, where he served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Undercover Narcotics Detective, and SWAT Operator/Sniper before joining the Seal Beach Police Department in 2007. While at Seal Beach, he served as a Patrol Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Operations Commander with a variety of assignments. Additionally, he served as the West Orange County SWAT Team Commander prior to his promotion to Chief of Police in 2019. The West Orange County SWAT Team is a regional team in Orange County, California, that serves the five cities of Seal Beach, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, and Westminster. Chief Gonshak retired as a Police Chief and was then appointed as the County Manager of Summitt County, Colorado. He continued his professional public administration work for the Denver Police Department as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. He now serves as the Director of Public Safety Strategy for a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Technology company named Skydio. Chief Gonshak has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a POST Management Certificate, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, all from CSULB.
Phil Gonshak, Director of Public Safety Strategy, Skydio
Edward J. Martin (PhD) is the faculty representative for the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Dr. Martin received his BA from Loyola Marymount University, MA from the University of San Francisco, and PhD from Arizona State University. His research interests focus on urban affairs, political economy, sustainable development, and social welfare policy. He is the co-author of Savage State: Welfare Capitalism and Inequality, and has published research articles in Contemporary Justice Review, New Political Science, International Journal of Public Administration, California Politics & Policy, Latin American Perspectives, and Public Administration and Management.
Edward J. Martin, Professor
Dr. Melissa Mathews is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration in the Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Mathews’ research agenda, teaching interests, and service commitments are motivated by her experiences in professional practice. She successfully led nonprofit organizations as an executive director for more than ten years, and also served as a community organizer to promote civic engagement, strengthen communities, and advance public policy initiatives. As an engaged scholar, Dr. Mathews continues to provide consulting support to communities, cities, and nonprofit organizations.
Melissa Mathews, Associate Professor
Dr. Tina Zhao is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Long Beach. Her research interests include public and nonprofit management, local health department administration, health policy, government contracting, multi-sector collaboration, public opinion, and survey methodology. Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Zhao serves as a senator representing the College of Health and Human Services in the CSULB Academic Senate. She remains actively engaged in scholarly and professional communities, contributing to discussions on public administration, health policy, and collaborative governance. Dr. Zhao earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also holds an M.A. in Sociology from Peking University.
Tina Zhao, Assistant Professor & Graduate Advisor, Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration, CSULB
Master of Public Administration
Application Period:
Spring 2026
Registration Begins:
August 1, 2025
Application Deadline:
November 1, 2025
Cost:
$500 per unit / $1,500 per course*
Total Program Cost:
$19,500
Location:
Online
*Fees listed are for the 2024-25 academic and are subject to change.
